Easy Spanakopita

Easy Spanakopita

Introduction

Easy Spanakopita is a tasty and flaky Greek dish filled with spinach and feta cheese. It’s a great appetizer or a light meal. You can whip it up quickly and impress your family and friends!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect because it is easy to make and uses fresh ingredients. Spanakopita is not only delicious but also good for you. It’s a hit at parties and can be served warm or cold. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy spinach!

How to Make Easy Spanakopita

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo pastry
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft.
3. Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down.
4. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush it lightly with olive oil. Add another sheet on top and brush again.
6. Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture on one end of the pastry, and fold over to create a triangle. Keep folding the triangle up the length of the strip until you reach the end.
7. Place the folded triangles on a baking sheet. Brush the top with egg wash if you want a shiny finish.
8. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.

How to Serve Easy Spanakopita

Serve your Easy Spanakopita warm from the oven. They are great on their own or with a side of yogurt or tzatziki. Perfect for a family dinner or a party snack!

How to Store Easy Spanakopita

If you have leftover Spanakopita, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a crispy finish.

Tips to Make Easy Spanakopita

• Make sure to keep the phyllo pastry covered with a damp cloth while you work. It can dry out quickly!
• Feel free to add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
• You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe; just make sure to drain any excess water from frozen spinach.

Variation

You can add other ingredients like mushrooms, leeks, or ricotta cheese for a different twist on this classic dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make Spanakopita ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Spanakopita and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Is Spanakopita vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian because it uses spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo pastry.

3. Can I use other cheeses besides feta?
Absolutely! You can use ricotta, goat cheese, or a mix of cheeses if you prefer. Just keep the flavors in mind!